Congratulations to professors Tracie Canada (CulAnt) Norbert Wilson (Divinity), and Candis Watts Smith (PolSci) who have been awarded Intellectual Community Planning Grants by the Provost's Office at Duke University. They will lead three collaborative projects: “Battle of the Blues: A Critical Study of Big-Time College Sport” (Canada); “Climate Change, Food Systems and Sustainability” (Wilson), and “Triangle Race, Ethnicity and Politics Incubator” (Watts-Smith). These projects involve… read more about Drs. Canada, Wilson, and Watts-Smith to Lead Projects that Will Build Intellectual Communities »
Dr. Chantell Evans (SoM) has been chosen as one of the 31 inaugural Freeman Hrabowski Scholars by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). This prestigious five-year renewable scholarship provides up to $8.6 million in funding, including salary, benefits, research budget, and equipment. Awardees are exceptional early career faculty who have potential to become leaders in their research fields and to create diverse and inclusive lab environments. Dr. Evans will explore how neurons use quality control… read more about Dr. Chantell Evans Named a HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholar »
Professor Sarah Gaither (Psych&Neuro) has been named 2023 Bass Chairs and inducted into the Bass Society of Fellows at Duke University. The Bass Chairs were established in 1996 and are recognized for their exceptional contributions in undergraduate teaching, research, and university citizenship. Professor Gaither's work explores social perceptions and behaviors in diverse settings. Read more. read more about Professor Sarah Gaither has been named 2023 Bass Chairs »
Duke University has awarded Distinguished Professorships to Drs. Ashleigh Rosette (Fuqua) and Hedwig Eugenie Lee (Sociology). Prof. Rosette is a professor of Leadership and specializes in diversity and negotiations in organizational settings and. Prof. Lee is a social demographer focusing on the social determinants of health and racial/ethnic disparities resulting from systemic racism. Both scholars have made significant contributions to their fields,… read more about Congratulations Drs. Ashleigh Rosette and Hedwig Lee awarded Duke Distinguished Professorships »
During a recent interview to Al Jazeera Media, Professor Mark Anthony Neal (AAAS) discussed the origins and whitewashing of music genres such as Rock and Roll and Rhythm & Blues, which were created by Black artists but often get appropriated and promoted by white people. Watch the full interview here which focused on important issues on black music exploitation. Read more. read more about Professor Neal sheds light on Who Profits from the Music created by Black artists »
The School of Medicine (SOM) recently invited Dr. Julius Wilder to speak during its Diversity Month celebration in April. During the interview, Dr. Wilder discussed his research on colon cancer, which has shown a significant decrease in deaths overall but remains disproportionately prevalent in communities of color. As a medical sociologist and chair of the equity, diversity, and inclusion and anti-racism committee at the SOM, he emphasized the issue of health disparities… read more about Dr. Wilder features in School of Medicine Interview »
Duke Biomedical Engineering hosted its inaugural Outreach Design Education (ODE) 2-day hackathon. Created by Professor Aaron Kyle (Pratt), ODE teaches young students practical design skills using engineering concepts. The ODE Hackathon event focused on prototype building and microcontroller programming to help middle schoolers develop a STEM identity at a critical time. Read more about Dr. Kyle’s program here. read more about Dr. Kyle’s Outreach Design Education Program helps Middle Schoolers Develop Practical Design Skill »
On this Duke law podcast, professors James Coleman and Elana Fogel expressed their concern regarding the overreporting of Black suspects by US law enforcement agencies on Facebook. The research revealed that the overreporting rate is 25% higher than the actual local arrest rates. They argue that if people perceive Black people as a threat to their community, it could divert attention from identifying the actual source of the problem. Listen to the full episode here. read more about Professors Coleman and Fogel discuss the findings on Facebook overreport on Black suspects »
Time Magazine selected Catherine Coleman Flowers (NSOE), a MacArthur Fellow, environmental activist, and Practitioner-in-Residence at Duke University among its 2023 100 most influential people. She teaches and mentors students and coaches researchers on community engagement methods. Flowers' work in Lowndes County, Alabama prompted $50 billion in investment to address the lack of clean sanitation for over 40% of the Black population, addressing an environmental crisis rooted in poverty and bigotry in her… read more about Catherine Flowers named amongst Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023 »
Candida auris has infected over 2,300 people in the U.S. in the past year, and climate change may have helped it evolve to live inside the human body. Scientists warn that new diseases are likely to emerge due to rising global temperatures. Dr. Asiya Gusa (molecular genetics) talks to National Geographic about how fungi might adapt more quickly in warming temperatures than anticipated. Read more. read more about Dr. Asiya Gusa warns of potential fungal threats amid climate change »
Left of Black, a web series created and hosted by Dr. Mark Anthony Neal (AAS), has been nominated for the Best Video Series award in the Science & Education category of the 27th Annual Webby Awards. The show has been running for over a decade and features scholars, artists, and activists discussing the importance of Black Studies. The show has welcomed many famous guests, including Dr. Cornel West, Carrie Mae Weems, and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. Read more. read more about Left of Black Nominated for Best Video Series at 27th Annual Webby Awards »
Dr. Adrienne Stiff-Roberts (Engineering) research focuses on using organic and inorganic materials in semiconductors, with applications in solar panel technology. In addition to leading her lab, she is the director of graduate studies for the materials science and engineering programs. As a Presidential Fellow, she will participate in leadership meetings and projects of interest, learning from senior leaders at Duke. Click here for more information! read more about Blue Devil of the Week: Duke's Presidential Fellow Dr. Adrienne Stiff-Roberts »
Dr. Felwine Sarr's (Romance) African Meditations explores the decay of life and invites readers to meditate on its reproduction. The text connects spirituality, family, politics, and individual growth, inviting readers to embrace a new sense of the present as an expression of a grander cosmic oneness, with a generative rather than critical objective. Read more. read more about Dr. Felwine Sarr invites readers on a spiritual journey in "African Meditations" »
A committee co-chaired by Professor Charmaine Royal (AAAS) released a report recommending that genetics researchers tailor their use of population descriptors to their research questions and generally avoid using "race" as a descriptor in genetics research. The report emphasized the need for genetics research to benefit all groups in society and mitigate harm. Dr. Royal emphasized that "race" should never be used as a proxy for human genetic variation. Read more. read more about Genetics Research Shuns Labels: Dr. Charmaine Royal's Report Sparks a Revolution in Science »
Dr. Milton Blackmon (Trinity), Trinity College's first African American lead academic dean for over 20 years, shared his family's inspiring story of going from slavery to academic success. His great-great-grandmother, Caroline Melton, was a slave punished for learning to read. Blackmon's journey showcases the importance of perseverance and building upon the achievements of those who came before us. Read more. read more about From Slavery to Academic Excellence: Dr. Milton Blackmon's Four-Generation Journey as a Black Leader »
In the Sports and Society course that she once took as an undergraduate, Dr. Tracie Canada (CulAnth) is now tweaking it to include more voices of junior faculty, postdocs, and recent Ph.D. graduates who are examining sports across broad array of fields . Through ethnographic research on Black college football players, Prof. Canada uses sports to explore themes such as capitalism, race, history, and geography. Read more about her course and her work. read more about Professor Tracie Canada Applies Practice to Athlete Obsession in Sports and Society Course »
Frank Tramble, former VP of Communications at Howard University, has been appointed as Duke University's VP for Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs. Tramble will oversee communications and marketing efforts to promote Duke's strategic priorities, including crisis communications. Tramble expressed his admiration for Duke's commitment to excellence and global impact and is excited to help tell the university's story. Read more. read more about Frank Tramble Appointed Vice President for Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs »
Professor William Darity's (Sanford) lifelong curiosity drives his influential work on the racial wealth gap in the US. He argued that the wealth gap can be narrowed through reparations, jobs, and a baby bond program. His inquisitive mind has led him to challenge conventional thinking and advocate for bold solutions to address inequality. Read more. read more about Bringing an Inquisitive Mind to Inequality: Professor William Darity »
Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards (SOM) expressed concern over the doubling of the maternal mortality rate for women within 42 days of giving birth in North Carolina from 2019 to 2021. She emphasized the fragility of Black maternal health and pointed out that Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Read more. read more about Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards Talks to North Carolina Policy Watch About High Maternal Mortality for Black Women in North Carolina »
In this article by Trinity Communications, Prof. Jennifer Nash, the Jean Fox O'Barr Professor of Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies (GS&FS) highlights the undervaluation of care work, which encompasses both paid and unpaid labor, due to gender and racial biases. In her recent book, "Birthing Black Mothers," Dr. Nash investigates how birth workers help new mothers care for their babies and access support networks with broader implications beyond racial divides. Read more. read more about Dr. Jennifer Nash: How Women Drive the Care Economy in the United States »
The Office for Faculty Advancement at Duke University has awarded seed grants to 14 projects led by faculty members, including Dr. Michael Cary and Dr. Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler (DUSON). Dr. Cary is leading the SPARC Initiative, which aims to eliminate bias in algorithms used for decision-making and resource allocation in patient care by bringing together experts from various disciplines. Meanwhile, Dr. Bohler's Affinity Group project aims to establish a community of practice for advancing equitable… read more about Drs. Michael Cary and Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler awarded the faculty advancement seed grants 2023-2024 »
The National Museum of African American History and Culture has released a book on Afrofuturism, featuring essays by 21 artists and scholars including Professor Mark Anthony Neal (AAAS). The book examines the evolving concept of Afrofuturism through various media and objects, including those from Smithsonian collections, and is the companion to the exhibition at NMAAHC running from March 24, 2023, until March 24, 2024. Read more. read more about Professor Mark Anthony Neal Contributes to New Book on Afrofuturism »
Duke’s Graduate School recognizes with the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring the considerable efforts and accomplishments of faculty and graduate students who consistently serve as effective mentors. Among the 2023 Dean's Award recipient, Dr. Gustavo Silva, (Biology), is recognized for investing in his students' scientific endeavors, providing guidance and encouragement to succeed in their personal and professional lives. In this interview, he shared his… read more about Dr. Gustavo Silva Receives the Dean's Award for Mentoring »
Dr. Schenita Randolph, (DUSON), has received a $100K grant for her groundbreaking work developing a mentoring program for Black nurse scientists. The Black Nurse Scientist Mentoring Program will catalyze research and promote health equity by addressing the underrepresentation of Black nurse leaders and scientists in research. Read more. read more about Dr. Schenita Randolph Awarded $100K to Lead Development of Mentoring Program for Black Nurse Scientists »
Dr. Ashleigh Rosette (Fuqua) and colleague conducted experiments that suggested that association between leaders and whiteness may depend on the methods researchers employ. Although people may refrain from expressing associations they may harbor between leaders and Whiteness, these associations have not dissipated with time. Read more. read more about Dr. Ashleigh Rosette: Revisiting Racial Bias in Leadership »
The PreLaw Fellowship Program in the Law School has appointed Professor Jesse McCoy (LAW) as their faculty director. The goal of the program is to attract rising college sophomores and juniors from underrepresented backgrounds to law school and increase diversity in the legal profession McCoy, supervising attorney for the Civil Justice Clinic, succeeds Ebony Bryant, former director of diversity initiatives for Duke Law who is now director of diversity and inclusion for the North Carolina Bar Association.… read more about Professor Jesse McCoy appointed as Faculty Director of PreLaw Fellowship Program »
March is Women's History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the contributions that women have made to society. This year's theme is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,”, in which Duke Today highlights the achievements of Dr. Erica Taylor (SOM), the first Black female orthopedic surgeon at Duke University, and Hyra Johnson, Duke's landscape superintendent in Facilities Management. Despite being in historically male-dominated fields, both women have broken barriers and paved the way… read more about Dr. Erica Taylor and Hyra Johnson Recognized During Women’s History Month »
In the recent episode of Conversation in Atlantic Theory podcast , Professor Jasmine Cobb,(AAAS) explores the ways in which Black hair shapes relationships with bodies, public spaces, and visual culture, while also tracing the history of Black hair in visual culture across various mediums While In episode 150 of Imagine Otherwise Podcast, Dr. Cobb delved into how haptic experiences have shaped the representation of blackness throughout history. Click to listen. read more about Dr. Jasmine Cobb Explores Black Hair's Art, Texture, and Haptic Significance Across Visual Culture on Two Podcasts »
"The Race Course" is a podcast documenting the University’s efforts towards antiracism by following the creation and reception of the new university-wide course, UNIV 101: The Invention and Consequences of Race. Here, Professor Kerry Haynie (PolSci) and colleagues address the goals, challenges, and successes in teaching issues of race and how the course was created and continues to impact society. Click to listen. read more about Professor Kerry Haynie at “The Race Course” »
Dr. Lisa McElroy (SOM), the Onyekwere E. Akwari Assistant Professor of Surgery and assistant professor in population health sciences at Duke is working to create a more equitable organ transplant selection process. She hopes that her proposal, which considers issues such as racial disparities in referrals and transplant, will promote fairness and increase access to life saving procedures. Learn more about her career, her research and her work at the Consortium for the Holistic Assessment of Risk in… read more about Dr. Lisa McElroy: Making Transplant Selection More Equitable »